Healing Through Creativity: How Filmmaking and Spirituality Intersect in Max Rissman’s “Upon Waking”
What if art could be a pathway to healing? For filmmaker Max Rissman, storytelling is more than a entertaining—it’s a way to navigate grief, explore forgiveness, and uncover deeper truths about the human experience. In his debut feature film, Upon Waking, Max dives into profound themes like near-death experiences (NDEs), shared-death experiences (SDEs), and the transformative power of love.
Recently, Max sat down with Brian Smith on the Grief 2 Growth podcast to discuss his creative journey, the spiritual side of filmmaking, and how art can guide us toward healing and growth. Max sent a preview copy of the film to me. When I heard it was about near-death experiences, I assumed it must be a documentary. It’s not.
The Power of Storytelling to Heal
Max’s love for storytelling began at an early age. As a child, he was so captivated by The Wizard of Oz that he convinced his parents to re-enact the classic film every night. This early connection to stories planted the seeds for a lifelong passion for creating narratives that resonate deeply with audiences.
“Stories allow us to explore universal truths through the lens of personal struggles,” Max explains. He believes that storytelling helps us process emotions and find meaning in life’s challenges. By seeing ourselves in characters and their journeys, we can begin to heal and grow.
Near-Death and Shared-Death Experiences: A Profound Source of Inspiration
At the heart of Upon Waking is the exploration of near-death and shared-death experiences. NDEs, often described as profound encounters during moments of clinical death or extreme physical danger, offer glimpses into a world beyond our own. Shared-death experiences occur when two people—often loved ones—experience the crossing over of one person together.
Although Max has never had an NDE himself, his fascination with these transformative moments inspired the film’s narrative. “People emerge from NDEs with a completely different perspective on life,” Max says. “They often discover what truly matters and find clarity in ways they hadn’t before.”
By weaving these extraordinary experiences into a fictional story, Max creates a bridge for audiences to reflect on their own lives and consider the possibilities of what lies beyond.
Creativity as a Path to Transformation
Like many creators, Max faced his share of obstacles while developing Upon Waking. From writer’s block to logistical challenges during production, the journey was anything but easy.
“I didn’t know if the story would work, and for a long time, I felt stuck,” Max recalls. But he trusted his intuition and allowed the story to unfold naturally. “It felt like the film was leading me rather than the other way around,” he says.
This persistence paid off. Max brought the project to life with limited resources, crafting a deeply intimate film that resonates on an emotional and spiritual level. His story is a testament to the power of trusting the creative process—even when the path ahead seems unclear.
Forgiveness and Self-Acceptance: Central Themes in Upon Waking
One of the film’s most moving elements is its exploration of forgiveness, both of others and of oneself. The characters confront their deepest fears and insecurities, ultimately learning to accept and love themselves.
“Forgiveness is such an important theme,” Max explains. “It’s something we all struggle with, but it’s also a pathway to healing and growth.” The film’s portrayal of family dynamics, personal loss, and reconciliation reflects struggles many of us face in our own lives.
The Spirituality of Filmmaking
Max views filmmaking as a deeply spiritual act. For him, the process requires a leap of faith—trusting that the right people, resources, and ideas will come together at the right time.
“There were so many moments where the project felt like it might fall apart,” Max admits. “But every time, something would happen to keep it alive.”
This faith is reflected in Upon Waking, which challenges audiences to consider the mysteries of life and the resilience of the human spirit.
Behind the Scenes: Challenges and Triumphs
Making an independent film is never easy, and Upon Waking was no exception. The film was shot during the COVID-19 pandemic, which presented unique challenges for casting, filming, and maintaining safety on set.
Despite these hurdles, Max credits his talented cast and crew for bringing the project to life. “Filmmaking is such a collaborative process,” he says. “It’s all about empowering the people around you to do their best work.”
The Impact of Upon Waking
Since its completion, Upon Waking has been screened at several film festivals, where it has moved audiences to tears. For those who resonate with its themes of forgiveness and transformation, the film has been a source of comfort and inspiration.
Max hopes the film will find a wide audience and spark conversations about love, loss, and what it means to grow. “If even one person watches this film and feels less alone, it will have been worth it,” he says.
Why Creativity Heals
Max’s journey with Upon Waking is a powerful reminder that creativity is more than a skill—it’s a way to process life’s complexities and connect with others on a deeper level. Whether you’re a filmmaker, writer, or simply someone seeking healing, there’s a message in Max’s story for everyone: Trust the process, embrace your intuition, and let creativity guide you toward transformation.
Watch Upon Waking
Upon Waking is available to stream on Amazon Prime, Fandango, and Hoopla starting Valentine’s Day. Visit uponwakingfilm.com to learn more.
Continue the Conversation
Join the Grief 2 Growth community to explore themes of healing, creativity, and personal growth. Visit grief2growth.com/community and be part of the dialogue.
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